Jerry Swander

Jerry Swander, of Bascom, left this life on earth Sunday, April 10, 2022, (Palm Sunday) at the age of 81 at Stein Hospice Care Center in Sandusky, following a fulfilling life and a short, courageous journey with cancer. Jerry was born July 30, 1940, to Harold and Catherine (Stever) Swander. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Rose Hoover, Nov. 26, 1959, at St. Patrick's Church, Bascom. They shared their days together for more than 62 years. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Swander of Bascom; two sons, Randy (Genise) of Canton and Steve (late Tracy) Swander of Attica; two daughters, Karen (Bruce Bolen) Swander of Bascom and Diane Swander of Cleveland Heights; brother, Jim Swander of Pinedale, Arizona; two sisters-in-law, Kay Swander of Laguna Woods, California and Lynn Hoover of Bascom; brother-in-law, John (Marg) Hoover of Bascom; seven grandchildren, Justin Swander of Tiffin, Wesley (Karena) Swander of Tiffin, Jessica Swander of Canton, Zachary (Neidalis) Swander of Canton, Joshua (Angela) Swander of Medina, Corey (Terese) Depinet of Tiffin and Joshua Depinet of Tiffin; and 16 great-grandchildren, Jayden, Autumn, Brody, Jordan, Josh, Carrigan, Benjamin, Maxwell, Melanie, McKenna, Braylen, Jaron, Kiera, Blake, Ally and Elana. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pearl Hepp; brother, Daryl Swander; daughter-in-law, Tracy Swander; five brothers-in-law, Jim Hoover, Joe Hoover, John Hepp, Olie Saum and Lou Audritsh; and five sisters-in-law, Anne Monaco, Mary Saum, Helen Audritsh, Marty Swander and Mary Hoover. Jerry graduated from Columbian High School Class of 1958 and attended The Ohio State University.Jerry was fulfilled by his life's work. As a young boy, he delivered The Cleveland Plain Dealer and worked summers at Jolly's. His before-and-after school job at Wag's Place Truckstop allowed him to buy a new 1957 Chevy before graduation. He began his adult working career at National Machinery and eventually followed in his dad's footsteps to become an owner-operator, distributing Ballreich's potato chips for 42 years. Jerry had a lifelong passion for farming that led to the purchase of the France Stone Quarry Farm outside Bascom where you could find him mowing for hours on end with a smile on his face. Jerry was a man of dedication and service to the community. He was affiliated with many community, civic and educational groups and was always willing to volunteer for any community project in ways big and small. For more than 50 years he served as a member of Bascom Lion's Club, and until his death, he proudly served for 48 years as a board member of Bascom Mutual Telephone Company. Jerry was an avid bowler, Bridge player and historian. He enjoyed cards, Sudoku, yard games, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, reminiscing with classmates at the class of 1958 luncheons, sharing summer holidays at the quarry and morning breakfasts at Frisch's Big Boy with friends. Jerry was a member of All Saints Parish, formerly St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bascom. Most of all, Jerry was a loving and devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. His love for family was boundless and unconditional and he loved to show all his family how much he loved each of them. He was never without a smile and always had a listening ear, helping hand or hug.Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin. A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Sandridge Cemetery, 6070 W. Tiffin St., Bascom, with the Rev. Art Niewiadomski officiating. The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our friends and family for the outpouring of love offered through cards, meals, flowers and prayers, and to the compassionate caregivers at Stein Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bascom Lion's Club, Friends of Meadowbrook Park, Stein Hospice or Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment (FACT of Seneca County). Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.